• follow all the directions for EXTRIOR prep

• make sure ALL exterior lights are working and are same temperature/color (not a warm bulb next to a cool bulb)

• turn on ALL water features (spa jets, waterfalls, fountains, etc)

• take out the vaccum/hose in the pool

• turn on pool light and spa light

• turn on/light the firepit

• add and turn on some cafe/twinkle lights

• turn ON all interior lights in rooms with windows

• turn OFF all tv and computer screens in rooms with windows

• do not stand near windows during the photo shoot

• Clear countertops as much as possible. (remove mail, dirty dishes, etc)

• Limit the amount of small appliance left on counter (ex. coffee maker)

• Clear outside of refrigerator of magnets, papers, photos, etc.

• Hide garbage cans in pantry or closet

• Remove dishes from sink, place in dishwasher

• Clean the stove

• Add a pop of color/height with a flower arrangement

• Clear countertops completely. No soap, toothbrushes, medications, deodorant, etc.

• Put toilet seats down

• Close closet doors

• Remove shampoo, soap, loofahs, etc. from showers and tubs

• Remove dirty towels - leave out only new, unused towels

• Remove floor mats

• Make sure to wipe down counter tops and mirrors- those toothpaste spots WILL show!

• Thoroughly clean whole house (vacuum carpet, mop hard floors, clean countertops, clean mirrors, clean windows)

• Turn all overhead lights and lamps ON 

• Replace all burned out light bulbs

• Use bulbs of the same temperature (ALL incandescent -warm/yellow or ALL compact fluorescent- cool/blue)

• Turn all ceiling fans OFF

• Turn all TVs OFF

• Turn all computer screens OFF

• Open window treatments and/or tilt open blinds to let in outside light

• Remove personal photographs you do not want visible (or replace with general landscape/object photographs)

• Make all beds

• Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring

• Place all shoes, jackets, laundry in closets

• Remove large stacks of magazines, papers, mail, etc.

• De-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth (no more than 5 items, including art)

• Clean interior of fireplace and re-paint if needed

• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

• Remove kid's toys

• Keep items on the coffee table/end tables to a minimum

• Hide remotes in drawers or behind pillows

• make sure TV, computer screens, gaming units, etc are turned off

• Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet

• Place pet beds/toys in pantry or closet

• Use lint roller on furniture to remove pet hair

• Place pet crates or carriers in closets or in garage

• Contain pets so they don't accidentally get in the photo- our furry friends aren't for sale too!

• Clear back yard of pet waste/toys

FRONT EXTERIOR - Online “curb appeal” - this is usually the first photo buyers see 

• Close garage doors

• Remove cars from driveway and front of home

• Clean up landscaping (mow, trim shrubs, clear leaves)

• Remove empty planters

• Use broom to remove cobwebs from eaves and door frames

• Remove visible water hoses

• Remove toys, sports balls, basketball goals, soccer goals, etc.

BACK YARD - The back yard should be an oasis to relax

• Clean porch, tidy up outdoor tables/chairs/cushions

• Pillows/cushions should be freshened

• Clear out kid's toys, balls, frisbees, etc.

• Clean pool

• Remove pool vacuum/cleaner hose

• Hide pool cleaning supplies

• Turn on pool fountains, or any water features

• Remove visible water hoses

• Remove trash cans

• Make bed, including decorative pillows/shams if available

• Press bed linens and bed skirts

• Clear nightstands of all personal items

• Store away phone/tablet charging cables

• Remove all clutter from top of dressers

• Limit or remove family photos from walls and dressers

• Clean under bed, removing items that may show in the photos

• Remove personalized names from walls

• Remove wall stickers/posters (don't forget those stars on the ceiling!)

• Remove diaper genies